Sustaining a limestone aquifer: Case of Jaffna Peninsula in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The population of the Jaffna Peninsula, in Northern Sri Lanka depends entirely on groundwater resources to meet all their water requirements. The four, main fresh water aquifers in the Jaffna Peninsula are saddled within a Karstic limestone, floating on seawater. This limited resource is endangered in terms of quantity and quality, which has deteriorated over time. A major water quality problem identified in the 1960s is seawater intrusion into the wells in limestone area. Nitrate contamination of groundwater has been receiving attention in the Peninsula since the early 1980s. Over extraction of groundwater, uncontrolled use of fertilizer and other agrochemicals and unsafe sewerage disposal (soakage pits) are the main culprits for this situation. Improved groundwater recharge, regulated use of agrochemicals and the introduction of piped sewerage collection and disposal and appropriate solid waste management systems are a must for the sustainability of Joffina's groundwater system. Training and awareness programs are required to strengthen the public participation. This paper gives an overview of the major issues on groundwater quality and quantity, and justifies the above recommendations